What is the Difference Between Sulfone and Sulfoxide?

Sulfone and sulfoxide are organic compounds containing sulfur atoms. The key difference between them is the number of double-bonded oxygen atoms in their respective functional groups:

• Sulfone: Contains a sulfonyl functional group (R−S(=O)2−R’) with two double-bonded oxygen atoms and a central hexavalent sulfur atom. Sulfones are typically prepared by organic oxidation of thioethers, often referred to as sulfides. They are relatively inert functional groups, being weakly basic compared to sulfoxides.
• Sulfoxide: Contains a sulfoxide functional group with only one double-bonded oxygen atom. Sulfoxides are intermediates in the synthesis of sulfones from thioethers. They have a lone pair of electrons on the sulfur atom, making the sulfoxide group nonplanar. Most sulfoxides are colorless liquids or solids with low melting points.

In summary, sulfones have two double-bonded oxygen atoms in their sulfonyl functional group, while sulfoxides have only one double-bonded oxygen atom in their functional group.

Comparative Table: Sulfone vs Sulfoxide

Here is a table comparing the differences between sulfone and sulfoxide:

Both sulfone and sulfoxide are organic compounds containing a central sulfur atom. However, the key difference between them is the number of double-bonded oxygen atoms attached to the sulfur atom: sulfones have two double-bonded oxygen atoms, while sulfoxides have only one.